On the Local Government News Roundup for 19th December 2024:
- More monitor appointments extended
- Another Council reverses course on Australia Day
- As councils hold their first meetings of the new term, advocacy positions are reaffirmed, and meeting times are reviewed
- A serious financial crisis at Liverpool
- A performance improvement order flagged for a NSW council
- New CEO appointments in NSW and Queensland
- and major local government reforms announced in the UK and New Zealand
Also today, councillors in NSW will soon be required to stand for the mayor, while a mayor in another state under fire for ordering a councillor to sit down.
It’s the first of our bumper Summer editions of the Local Government News Roundup
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 412:
Victorian Roundup:
The municipal monitors at Darebin City Council have had their appointments extended by Minister Melissa Horne for an additional six months.
June Anstee and Ross Millard will now remain in their roles until June 2025.
Their interim report to the Minister notes that the council has made some progress in improving governance, but work is still is required to support the council, including guiding it through a CEO recruitment process.
Darebin City Council Municipal Monitors Extended
Reports that Darebin council had removed the word ‘Christmas’ from its festive celebrations are false, according to its interim chief executive Michael Tudball.
A report this week on Sky News suggested the council was refusing to use the word Christmas and was picked up by other media outlets.
Mr Tudball told ABC Radio that he wasn’t sure where the story came from, but said there had been no edict at all about the use of the word Christmas.
He confirmed that the council is supporting community groups to run Christmas campaigns and had put up decorations across the city, including a Christmas tree at Preston Town Hall and reindeers at Northcote Town Hall.
Darebin Council says they are not ‘Grinches’ – ABC listen
Greater Shepparton Council has voted to restore funding and organise Australia Day celebrations on January 26, reversing a previous 2023 decision to withdraw support for such events.
The decision was made via a motion brought forward by Cr Fern Summer, and was not subject to consultation with the local Aboriginal community, according to SBS News.
It reported that there was a rally earlier in the day, and that a man interrupted the council meeting using clapsticks and chanting in front of each of the councillors.
‘Kick in the guts’: Shepparton Council has voted to put on celebrations for January 26
Council makes decision on Australia Day
Hepburn Shire mayor Don Henderson has thanked emergency services personnel and council staff for a swift and effective response to an intense fire situation in Creswick on Monday, as temperatures soured into the forties across the state.
He said their dedication is a true reflection of their commitment to the safety of the community.
Cr Henderson said the fires serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being fire ready, and encouraged everyone to take the time to review their bushfire plans.
Thank you to emergency services and staff for swift response to fires
Hobsons Bay City Council has reaffirmed its position on two key advocacy issues at its first ordinary meeting of the new term.
The Council is strongly advocating for the installation of pollution filters on the West Gate Tunnel vents, a position it has maintained since 2017.
The council is also opposed to the permanent closure of Champion Road in Newport, and has expressed deep disappointment in the state government’s decision to proceed despite community objections.
Council Statement on West Gate Tunnel vents
Council statement on Champion Road closure
The City of Casey has formally requested that the EPA ensure community concerns are properly addressed regarding Veolia’s proposed waste transfer station at the Hallam Road Landfill site.
The Council is advocating for community consultation to be extended until late January to ensure more residents can have their say on the issues surrounding the landfill and the proposed waste transfer station.
Colac Otway Shire Council has voted to change its meeting schedule from Wednesdays at 4pm to Tuesdays at 1pm starting in 2025.
Meetings to be held monthly on the fourth Tuesday except for adjustments in April and December.
Council to change day and time for meetings in 2025
Casey City Council has announced that from next year, Council Meetings will be held at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month starting in February.
The council has resolved to move away from the 4pm starting time that was in place since April 2020.
And yesterday, Corangamite Shire Council voted to bring its meetings forward next year.
Meetings will start at 3pm, instead of 7pm which has been the council’s recent practice.
Corangamite Shire Council Meeting 17 December 2024
A Blackwood property owner was fined $2000 and ordered to remove an illegal building constructed without proper approvals by February 2025, following prosecution in Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court.
Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell said residents should be aware of cases like this and what the outcome can be for illegal buildings on properties.
Prosecution on illegal building
Ararat Rural City Council has launched an ambitious housing initiative in partnership with private enterprise to address local housing shortages by building over 40 affordable homes in the next 10-15 years.
The first home is already completed and ready for tenants before Christmas.
The project is supported by a $500,000 council budget allocation for this year with the aim to build four houses annually.
Ararat Continues to Break Ground on Affordable Housing | Ararat
Mitchell Shire Council is seeking $40 million in Federal Government funding to upgrade and seal a 5.57km section of Old Sydney Road.
It is a top priority in a $50 million roads package the council is proposing ahead of the upcoming Federal election.
A recent truck fire incident on the Hume Freeway demonstrated the urgent need for the upgrade, as traffic diversions were hampered by the road’s current poor condition.
Alpine Shire Council has launched the Take a Lodger Program, partnering with local real estate agents to match homeowners who have spare rooms with potential lodgers to help address housing shortages in the region.
The initiative aims to provide affordable housing options while offering homeowners extra income and social connections, with real estate agents facilitating the matching process and providing necessary documentation.
‘Take a Lodger’ campaign launched to tackle housing shortages
Cardinia Shire Council has officially opened the new Officer District Park, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including an adventure playground, parkour zone and fitness facilities.
The park was opened this week by Mayor Jack Kowarzik and other dignitaries, including Minister for Planning Sonia Kilkenny.
It was made possible through collaboration between the community and multiple state and federal government funding programs.
The council has this week advised of an issue with the chosen name for the park.
Torongo Park was formally endorsed as the name, on the advice of Traditional Owners.
But it has now been informed that the name is not appropriate, and temporary working name of Officer District Park will be used while another a naming process can be conducted.
Officer’s new regional park now open! | Cardinia Shire Council
Park naming reviewed | Cardinia Shire Council
Yarra City Council has decided to geofence footpaths narrower than two metres by the end of January to address safety concerns and accessibility issues caused by inappropriately parked e-scooters.
The Council’s decision comes amid ongoing complaints about e-scooter misuse and aims to strike a balance between sustainable transport and community safety, particularly as the current e-scooter agreement approaches its end in April 2025.
Yarra City Council resolves to geofence narrow footpaths for e-scooter safety
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali has been re-elected as Chair of Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) for 2025, marking his second term in the role after serving as Chair in 2024 and Deputy Chair in 2023.
Cr Andrea Metcalf from Greater Bendigo has been re-elected as Deputy Chair of the group representing the state’s 10 largest regional cities.
LGPro has appointed its new Office Bearers.
Sue Wilkinson, CEO of Yarra City Council, has stepped into the President position, taking over from Wyndham director of city life Liana Thompson, who will now be Vice President. Knox CEO Bruce Dobson remains as Treasurer, while Brimbank infrastructure director Chris Leivers is Secretary.
The City of Ballarat has revealed designs for a new $14.5 million state-of-the-art Regional Animal Facility to be built in Mitchell Park, replacing the current shelter housed in an old abattoir building.
Construction of the new facility, funded by an $11.5M State Government contribution and $3M from the council, will begin next year.
Designs released for the Ballarat Regional Animal Facility | City of Ballarat
National Roundup:
NSW:
Snowy Monaro Regional Council has received a Notice of Intention for a Performance Improvement Order from the Minister for Local Government.
The reasons for the notice relate to councillor conduct in the chamber, and concerns about actions to improve the council’s financial viability.
An extraordinary council meeting has been scheduled for next Monday, to discuss if and how the Council will respond.
The council said the proposed improvements are in line with the Council’s current long term financial plan.
ABC News has reported on a confidential report at Liverpool Council which has revealed serious cashflow problems, and a risk of defaulting on $217 million in development loans.
The council reportedly needs to raise $25 million by June 2025 to avoid default.
The revelations come as a public inquiry is ongoing into allegations of mismanagement and dysfunction at the council.
Liverpool Council at risk of defaulting on $217m in loans, report reveals
The NSW Government is implementing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and public confidence in local council meetings through changes to the Model Meeting Code.
Key changes include preventing private councillor briefings, requiring public disclosure of closed meeting information, and expanding mayoral powers to maintain order during meetings.
The new code will also require that councillors stand when the mayor enters and when addressing a council meeting.
The reforms are open for public consultation until February.
New changes coming to council meetings
Shoalhaven City Council has voted to apply for a 12% Special Rate Variation from July 2025, which includes a 3.8% rate peg.
The decision follows a community consultation process and an independent review that identified an annual shortfall of up to $35 million in the general fund.
The Council says it has implemented cost-saving measures totalling $3.2 million so far.
It will submit its application to IPART early in the new year, with a decision expected by around April or May.
Council to seek special rate increase
Tamworth Regional Council has reappointed its General Manager Paul Bennett to serve another five-year contract.
It will take effect from next September, when his current contract expires.
Mr Bennett has been with the Council since September 2010.
In more news from this week’s Tamworth council meeting, approval was given for Mr Bennett to participate in a delegation to London in March with all costs to be covered by Statewide Mutual.
The delegation will negotiate insurance coverage for Statewide Mutual’s member Councils across NSW.
Council meeting Update – 17 December 2024 | Tamworth Regional Council
Marcus Schintler has been appointed as the new General Manager of Kyogle Council, after serving as Acting General Manager.
He has been with the council since 2016, most recently as its manager corporate services.
Mr Schintler has previously served as an executive director with the NSW Government.
Kyogle Council appoints a new General Manager – Kyogle Council
Port Macquarie Hastings Council has rejected a call for support for a Royal Commission into DNA contamination in mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.
Cr Mark Hornshaw brought forward a motion seeking that the council support a push from WA’s Town of Port Hedland, which has written to councils across the country.
An amendment noting interest in the gallery for a Royal Commission was lost, the council voted to note the correspondence and that vaccine regulation is not the responsibility of local government.
Minutes of Ordinary Council – Thursday, 12 December 2024
Muswellbrook Shire Council has received an $8,000 fine and official caution from the EPA after a leak of between 2500 and 3000 litres of ferric sulphate at their Water Treatment Plant in March.
The leak occurred when a temporary pump was left on following routine cleaning.
It was contained onsite with no environmental or health impacts, and the Council has implemented new preventative measures in response.
Muswellbrook Shire Council fined $8,000 for leak at water treatment plant
From the Daily Telegraph, a Greens councillor at the City of Sydney is advocating for the removal of opening prayers from monthly council meetings, arguing that they are inappropriate for a modern multicultural society where 52% of residents hold non-secular beliefs.
Newly elected councillor Matthew Thompson, who identifies as agnostic, has proposed either eliminating the prayer entirely or replacing it with a non-secular alternative.
Also from the Daily Telegraph, Parramatta councillor Kellie Darley has criticised a requirement that councillors sign a confidentiality deed regarding a potential partnership with an unnamed sports organisation, arguing it reduces public transparency.
The controversy follows a previous dispute over a $1.15m deal with the Parramatta Eels in 2023, which Cr Darley had challenged at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Federation Councillor Derek Schoen’s return to council has resulted in nine notices of motion at the November meeting, believed to be a record, according to the Corowa Free Press.
Seven of the motions focusing on cost-cutting measures and community improvements were successful, including water supply investigations for Balldale and Daysdale, investigations into playing field maintenance, Service NSW cost neutrality, and polling booth adjustments.
A motion to halt Special Rate Variations was defeated, and another was deferred to a later meeting.
QLD:
Garbage truck drivers in Ipswich are engaged in industrial action against the city council over a pay dispute, leaving 60,000 bins uncollected and threatening to extend the strike through Christmas, potentially affecting 90,000 more bins.
ABC News reported that the dispute centres around differences in proposed pay rises and superannuation rates.
More than 90,000 bins at risk of being uncollected before Christmas over pay
The council opened its resource recovery centres for affected residents to dispose of general or organic green waste at no charge, and said it was prioritising a limited collection service for medical facilities and residents with medical collections.
Resource Recovery Centres open for Ipswich residents – Ipswich First
Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney has been appointed the new Deputy Mayor of Townsville, after former Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob voluntarily stepped down from the position.
As Deputy Mayor, Cr Greaney will also serve as Acting Mayor while Mayor Troy Thompson remains suspended pending a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.
Council appoints new Deputy Mayor
Southern Downs Regional Council met yesterday, with the appointment of a new CEO on the agenda.
According to Warwick Today, former Douglas Shire CEO Rachel Brophy has been chosen for the role.
A formal announcement from the council is pending.
Council’s new CEO named | Warwick Today
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is calling on the Federal Government to provide dedicated funding support for regional, rural and remote councils that are struggling to maintain childcare facilities due to market failure.
Several Queensland mayors have highlighted the significant financial burden of running the essential services, including higher operational costs and the need to provide additional incentives to attract qualified staff in areas where private operators find it commercially unviable.
Call for childcare centre funding certainty – LGAQ
ABC News has reported on the City of Moreton Bay’s decision to ban homeless people from keeping pets or publicly sleeping in vans.
The bans were passed by a unanimous Council vote last week, and the city began issuing compliance notices this week.
Queensland council bans pets for rough sleepers amid homeless crackdown
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that two separate lines of inquiry were underway after Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate repeatedly ordered a councillor to sit down at the council’s final meeting of the year.
Sources told the Bulletin that a complaint has made to the council about the mayor’s behaviour at the meeting. Mayor Tate says he acted according to proper legal procedures.
National Briefs:
Sunshine Coast Council has announced its annual Caloundra parking amnesty, offering free parking in downtown Caloundra from December 13, 2024 to January 5, 2025, though time limits will still be enforced.
The initiative, running since 2013, aims to support local businesses during the holiday season by encouraging visitors, with parking meter funds throughout the year being reinvested into downtown Caloundra projects.
Sunshine Coast Council announces annual Caloundra parking amnesty | Sunshine Coast Council
Tamworth Council has agreed to support a research project being conducted by the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA).
Tamworth will contribute $4,500 towards the project which will examine the economic and cultural value of country music in Australia, focusing on the extent of the genre’s post-pandemic recovery.
Albury City Council is planning to gather community feedback on Australia Day 2025 activities and citizenship ceremonies through a comprehensive consultation process that will run from January 26 to February 28, 2025.
The findings will be presented to Council in March 2025.
Council to seek community feedback on 2025 Australia Day activities
TAS:
Kingborough Council has unanimously approved plans for the Tasmania Devils AFL High Performance Centre to be built at the Kingston Twin Ovals.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said with the $55 million annual investment is set to transform the area into a major sporting hub.
The development will be funded by the State Government and the AFL, and will include two additional ovals and create hundreds of regional jobs.
Glenorchy City Council is investigating a security breach in an IT system provided by an external vendor, which was detected by the council’s security systems last Thursday.
Pulse Tasmania reported that while the specific details of the breach remain undisclosed, Mayor Sue Hickey said there is currently no evidence of unauthorised access to council or ratepayer information.
The affected system has been isolated as a precautionary measure.
SA:
In South Australia, the Messenger reported that police were called to an Adelaide Hills Council meeting, with the mayor’s husband accused of disrupting the meeting.
The incident followed an address to the council by Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom in relation to the council’s vote last month calling on her to resign over allegations that she had bullied staff and misled the council and the community.
The Adelaide Advertiser has reported that a dispute between Gawler Mayor Karen Redman and former councillor Ian Tooley has resulted in ratepayers footing a $28,000 legal bill, with additional costs covered by council insurance.
The conflict involved multiple unsuccessful attempts by Mayor Redman to file Code of Conduct complaints with the Ombudsman, alleging abusive and aggressive behaviour by Mr. Tooley towards council staff and members.
WA:
The Town of Mosman Park has appointed Natalie Martin Goode as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective next March 2025
Ms Martin Goode brings with her extensive experience in local government roles across various Western Australian councils including Swan, Subiaco, Fremantle councils.
She is currently the Acting CEO at the Town of Victoria Park.
Town of Mosman Park appoints Natalie Martin Goode as its Chief Executive Officer
The Western Australian Government has announced $1.6 million in Urban Greening Grants to support 16 local governments in planting over 5,000 trees and 130,000 understorey species throughout Perth and Peel regions by mid-2025.
The initiative complements the $7.2 million WA Tree Recovery program.
More urban greening grants to fund planting of thousands of trees | Western Australian Government
The Town of Port Hedland’s Home Safety and Security Rebate scheme has supported 87 homes with nearly $32,000 in funding for security measures such as cameras, alarms, and locks during 2024.
The initiative has not only benefited local businesses with over $126,000 in spending but has also contributed to the town’s security infrastructure by adding more than 80 locations to the WA Police’s CCTV database.
News Story – Hedlanders take home safety and security seriously » Town of Port Hedland
Global Roundup:
UK:
The UK’s Deputy PM Angela Rayner has announced a Devolution Revolution plan for a major reorganisation of local government in England, which would abolish district councils in favour of unitary authorities and introduce more elected mayors with enhanced powers over planning and infrastructure.
Under the plan, mayors would be equipped to drive growth and improve living standards.
The controversial proposal aims to streamline services and boost economic growth, but the BBC and others have reported on opposition from district councils who warn it could cause turmoil and create “mega councils” that undermine local decision-making.
‘Devolution by default’ to create new era of local power
Angela Rayner promises mayor for every region of England
Meanwhile, Sky News UK reports that the government has announced a 3.5% real terms increase in police force funding for 2025-26, amounting to £17.4bn, which will be partially funded through higher council tax bills in England and Wales.
The additional funding will cover police officer pay rises, increased national insurance contributions, and recruitment for neighborhood policing initiatives, with council tax payers contributing £330m of the total increase through an average £14 annual increase.
Council tax to rise to pay for 3.5% police force funding increase
Highland councillors have voted against a proposal to break up Scotland’s largest local authority by area.
BBC News reported that an amendment to strengthen existing local area committees was successful by five votes instead.
The motion, signed by nine councillors who argued that communities could be better served by smaller authorities, came amid concerns about depopulation in certain regions of the Highland Council area, which covers a third of Scotland’s land mass.
Councillors vote against breaking up Highland Council
HUNGARY:
In Hungary, Budapest City Council is being sued by a Government Commissioner for failing to elect a Deputy Mayor, amid concerns that the city is approaching bankruptcy.
The situation stems from a historically close mayoral election in June where the incumbent mayor won by just 41 votes, resulting in fractured power relations in the City Council and difficulties in governance.
Budapest Municipal Government Sued for Failing to Elect Deputy Mayor
USA:
The largest county in the USA is undergoing a significant government restructure, after receiving the support of a narrow majority of voters last month.
Los Angeles County, with a population larger than 40 states, will expand its Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 members and create a directly elected county executive position.
Governing dot com reported that the reform, which aims to make the county more representative and efficient, will be implemented gradually through 2032 and includes the establishment of an ethics commission and new requirements for public budget presentations.
The Nation’s Largest County Is Changing Its Form of Government
CANADA:
London city councillor Susan Stevenson has been given a 30-day suspension of pay after an Integrity Commissioner investigation found she had bullied and harassed a senior city staffer through social media posts and persistent questioning.
The decision, which passed in an 8-6 vote despite disruptions from Stevenson’s supporters during the council meeting, marks her second Code of Conduct violation.
CTV reported that Cllr Stevenson is now planning to file a complaint with the Ontario Ombudsman about the investigative process.
NZ:
The New Zealand government has revealed plans to crackdown on local councils next year, aiming to refocus them on core services like infrastructure and roads.
Minister Simeon Brown has announced new measures this week, including rates-pegging and increased scrutiny of spending.
Three mayors have expressed concerns about these changes to Radio New Zealand, highlighting that they already spend the vast majority of their budgets (84-92%) on essential services like water and transport infrastructure
They warn that the new restrictions could impact their ability to provide important community services and maintain infrastructure.
‘Taken the local out of local government’: Councils react to crackdown
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is confident of finalising the council’s long-term plan at their final meeting for the year, following recent budget cuts of $558 million from various projects including cycleways and bus priority lanes.
Radio New Zealand reported that the council will lock in the changes before public consultation in March/April 2025, with key issues including a projected rates increase of 15.9% and potential parking fee increases in nine suburbs.
‘We’ve got a package ready’ – Wellington mayor confident council will get over the line